Cranberry juice: benefits and harm for the human body, composition and recipes

Cranberry juice ... The benefits and harm to the human body, the chemical composition and flavor of the product, unique folk recipes and the characteristics of the preparation of the drink - all this and much more is to be learned by readers of this article.

About the magic berry

Cranberries grow mainly in the Northern Hemisphere and in the swampy terrain. Berry differs from others in that it contains in its composition an unimaginable amount of nutrients and vitamins. On the healing properties of cranberries knew even in the times of Ancient Rus. So, instead of the usual tea or coffee now in the morning, our ancestors drank a glass of "Zvar", which included this delicacy.

Cranberry juice is a wonderful anti-catarrhal and anti-inflammatory agent. Decoctions and infusions from berries have antiseptic and strengthening properties. In addition, mors is an excellent remedy for thirst on a hot summer day.

Cranberry is a perennial shrub with thin stems crouched on the ground. In the people the plant has several names. It is all the beloved and revered "zhuraviha" or "sour doctor".

Cranberry fruit: benefit and harm

The composition of this drink is being improved to this day - at the present time scientists carefully study the useful properties and characteristics of this berry, and each time their efforts are crowned with success. So, it's worth to get acquainted with the chemical composition of the berries:

• Microelements: potassium, copper, chromium, iron, tin, magnesium, etc.
• A huge number of vitamins, among which there is a large number of elements of the group B and E.
• A significant portion of vitamin C (about 20%).
• Fructose, sucrose and glucose.
• Pectin and organic acids.

From the cranberries make jam and jams. Berries harvested for the winter, and also store them in the freezer in bulk. When the cold comes, they prepare a delicious cranberry mors. The benefits and harms of this drink are known to more than one generation.

Useful properties of cranberries

The useful properties of this berry were known even in the times of Ancient Rus. So, in the XVI century, decoctions and infusions of cranberries were used as an anti-inflammatory drug. Also, berry juice was used to lubricate wounds and cuts. At present, most scientists and doctors agree that cranberry enhances the effect of the most common antibiotics. Evergreen leaves of cranberries are effectively used in folk medicine for the preparation of herbal remedies, which help to effectively remove stones from the kidneys. Cranberry juice, the benefits and harm of which are studied to this day, not only quenches thirst on a summer day, but also helps to knock down heat, and also is used to normalize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.

Contraindications

In some cases, cranberries and products in which it is included may not have beneficial effects and even cause harm. For example, the berry is contraindicated for those with acute intolerance of a substance or an accessory element that is part of the cranberry. It's allergies. If you have any signs of intolerance - redness, itching or rash - you should immediately stop taking the product.

With special care, cranberry products are consumed during breastfeeding, and also watch closely the reaction of a small child under the age of three. In no case should you give berries and cranberry products to those who suffer from gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, ulcers) during the period of exacerbation. By the way, experts in the field of medicine strongly recommend not to take cranberry juice in its pure form on an empty stomach. It is better to dilute it with water - this will not provoke excessive secretion of gastric juice. And, in general, cranberry products are best used as a dessert - after the main meal.

Dentists are also not very good-natured about this berry. In their opinion, the amino acids contained in cranberries contribute to the rapid destruction of tooth enamel.

Using a goodie

How to eat cranberries? Surely the first thing that comes to mind is the cranberry juice, the benefits and harm of which are now known all over the world. In order to prepare this drink, just fill fresh berries with boiling water and add sugar. This way of cooking will save the greatest amount of useful properties and enjoy the unsurpassed taste of cranberry mors.

However, there is also a traditional way of making this drink. To do this, grind 0.5 kg of fresh berries of cranberries (you can do it with a blender), squeeze the juice and the remaining berries pour one liter of boiled water, put on fire, bring to a boil and hold in this state for another 10 minutes. The resulting broth strain through gauze, add the remaining juice, sugar to taste and leave until completely cooled.

Benefits of cranberries for the body

The benefits and harms of cranberries are not thoroughly studied. Nevertheless, there are several obvious factors that have been proven by experience. So, this berry has a high content of tannin - a substance that effectively fights inflammatory processes in the body. Cranberry perfectly treats diseases of the genitourinary system. Cranberry juice is very effective in these cases. Benefits and harm to the kidneys are determined individually. In addition, the composition of berries are present in the maximum amount of magnesium and vitamin C. This determines the use of cranberries as an auxiliary for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Regular use of cranberry products significantly reduces the formation of blood clots.

A lot of useful properties are distinguished by cranberry mors. Benefits and harm during pregnancy are not thoroughly studied now. One thing is clear: the products from this berry should be used extremely cautiously with possible manifestations of an allergic reaction.

Cranberries for children

As already mentioned, cranberries have a lot of useful properties and qualities. Small children under the age of three should be extremely careful to try cranberry products. It is advisable to treat the kids with jam or jam after the main meal. A hot summer day you can offer the child a cranberry mors. Benefits and harm to children are determined on an individual basis. So, an allergy to any component that is part of the cranberry, says that eating it is highly undesirable.

However, everyone knows that a cranberry drink is an excellent antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drug. And this means that with a cold, cranberries are an indispensable assistant. This berry is famous for its useful properties. That is why it is worthwhile to think about when it will become an effective medicine or an adjuvant.